Ben Platt Will Segue from ‘Mormon’ Elder To ‘Ricki And The Flash’ Barkeep

EXCLUSIVE: Looks like the Ivy League will have to wait a bit longer for rising star Ben Platt. The actor, best known as Pitch Perfect‘s Benji Applebaum, put off entering Columbia University to take over as Elder Cunningham in The Book Of Mormon, first in Chicago and currently on Broadway, in the role originated by Josh Gad. Platt just wrapped Pitch Perfect 2 and has signed on forRicki And The Flash, the Jonathan Demme project starring Meryl Streep, Kevin Kline and Rick Springfield. Platt is cast as Daniel, the bartender at Ricki and the Flash’s regular spot, who worships Streep’s Ricki. Platt’s repped by William Morris Endeavor, One Entertainment and Jackoway Tyerman Wertheimer Austen Mandelbaum Morris & Klein.

6 Comments

It’s also worth mentioning that the film is being produced by his father Marc Platt. Nepotism wins again.

Jolie • on Aug 8, 2014 8:33 am

If you were a hollywood producer who had an insanely talented son (you should watch ben on broadway if you haven’t yet), what would you do? i’m sure the decision was ultimately demme’s and not platt’s.

Ringo • on Aug 8, 2014 8:33 am

I’m sure that his father producing the film had nothing to do with his getting the role. Point being the article made no mention of this.

Dixon Steele • on Aug 8, 2014 8:33 am

Ringo=Unemployed Actor

Chuck • on Aug 8, 2014 8:33 am

Ringo is a fitting name, you’re probably just as untalented. Little do you know that Marc Platt had nothing to do with this casting and Demme in fact approached Ben backstage after a show and Marc was NOT on board at first.